It’s another calm day in Ponyville. A light drizzle was planned for the afternoon, but it’s supposed to clear up by the time the kids come home from school. The sound of the rain gently hitting the roof of the house creates an almost melancholic vibe.
Chrysalis lives for this sort of weather.
While she kept the main changeling hive in perpetual drought during her reign, doing so was, in her mind, a strategic move. It made the land undesirable and difficult to attack, allowing them to remain isolated from foreign powers. Actually living somewhere with the rain that she rarely saw for so many years is a pleasant change of pace, though you’ll never hear her admitting as much.
Actually, she’s come a very long way from her days as queen. What started as an attempt at hiding in Anon’s basement eventually became a beautiful relationship built upon love and trust. Sure, the road might have involved traumatized children, near-fatal injuries, and dramatic escapes from secret underground facilities, but they made it through all the same. That’s what really counts, right?
Staring into the bathroom mirror, she briefly transforms into her light changeling appearance. In truth, most creatures would consider her to be much more beautiful if she just stuck with her “true” form. However, “most creatures” can shove it up their ass. Magic envelops her once more as she takes on the appearance of her old self once again.
She might technically be a light changeling, but this is who she really is. It’s a remnant of a past she’s trying to learn from. It’s an appearance that strikes fear into the hearts of many, but acts as a source of comfort for Anon and her children.
Also, screw what other ponies say. She’s hot, dammit!
After briefly stretching her long, hole-filled legs, she steps out of the bathroom and starts to head downstairs. It’s pretty quiet without the kids around, but she can hear some faint shuffling in the kitchen.
“Nonny?”
“I’m in here.”
“What are you doing?”
She turns the corner to see Anon with several circular baked goods on the counter in front of him. Along with them, there are several jars and other types of packaging containing a wide assortment of food items.
“Making myself some bagels.”
“...Why?”
“I like bagels.”
“No, I mean why aren’t you just waiting for dinner?”
“Because I spent all morning consoling Terga after Gena convinced her that her yak classmates were going to eat her.”
“She did what?”
“Terga was trying to bully her again, so Gena just started making stuff up to scare her off. Kids will be kids, I guess.”
“Haha!” Chrysalis starts to cackle as she walks up alongside Anon. “About time that daughter of mine grew a spine.”
“I wouldn’t encourage that type of behavior. The last thing we need is Terga treating her yak friends differently.”
“Yeah, yeah. ‘Unity’ or whatever.” She clicks her tongue before looking at the bagel Anon is halfway through shoving into his mouth. “Why the spread?”
“Every time I buy bagels, the kids always beat me to ‘em. I’m enjoying these while I can.”
“And that’s why you have so many different things to put on them?”
“Bingo,” he mumbles with a full mouth as he finishes off the bagel. He swallows contentedly before reaching for another one. “Here, check this one out. I call it the ‘Chrysalis special.’”
“Oh?” Her curiosity quickly fades in favor of disappointment as her husband slides several slices of Swiss cheese into the bisection of the bagel. “And where did that name come from?”
“You know, your–”
Anon blinks as he meets Chrysalis’s gaze. Her stare is cold, but there’s a strange cockiness to it underneath the quiet anger. It’s like she’s daring him to continue, and as he considers not doing so, she leans forward.
He has officially dug his own grave.
With an anxious gulp, he takes a bite of the bagel before continuing.
“Swiss is a light and refreshing variety of cheese. Just, uh… just like how I feel when I speak to you?”
“...Somehow, I think that’s even more insulting than the truth.”
“The holes in the cheese and the bagel remind me of your legs.”
“There you go.” She gives him a pat on the back that’s a bit more forceful than necessary. “Though I don’t much appreciate being mocked.”
“It was supposed to be endearing,” he whispers to himself.
“Whatever you say,” she sighs as she begins to turn around. “But you should probably leave at least a few for the kids. They’ll kill you if they find out you had these.”
“Not to worry,” he confidently remarks with a proud smile. “I anticipated that and prepared a peace offering.”
“Oh? Do tell.”
“Look right over there.”
Anon motions to the kitchen table, upon which rests a suspicious white box. Narrowing her eyes, she approaches the box before lifting it with magic. She briefly sniffs the air before recoiling at the sickly-sweet scent.
“Are these what I think they are?”
“If I know that nose of yours, your assumption is probably correct.”
With a blank expression, Chrysalis pops open the box. Lo and behold, it’s filled with precisely what she was expecting.
“Donuts? Really?”
“Come on, they love donuts!”
“You just had to order another food that reminds you of my legs?”
“I… what?”
“I believe I already told you that I don’t appreciate being mocked.”
“Chryssi, that’s not–”
“I expect you to make it up to me tonight.” Her voice is low, almost a purr. It’s a strange mixture of inviting and intimidating, though Anon would be lying if he said he wasn’t somewhat used to it. For better or for worse, he’s going to be sore in the morning. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to do some… what did you call it? ‘Light and refreshing’ pod making?”
“You’re still trying to turn the basement into a mini hive?”
“Trust me, Nonny, it will be useful in the future.”
“For what?!”
“That’s for me to know and you to dread.”
She gives him a coy smile and a wink before disappearing around the corner. After a moment, Anon groans.
“I just wanted some bagels, man.”